‘Equality vs. Chivalry’
I was just recently thinking about this statement. Here we are talking about gender equality which means that both genders should receive the same treatment, regardless of their apparent differences. Chivalry means very polite and honourable behaviour, especially shown by men towards women. Definitions are from Cambridge dictionary. Examples of chivalry is opening doors, pulling out chairs and giving up seats for women.
Even from the definition, there are contradictions. Chivalry is only directed to women but equality says that both men and women should have the same treatment. My friend would say that we ladies just want our own way in everything :D
Women’s role in the world has changed greatly. They are no longer fit to only be kept in the kitchen but out in the corporate ladder. We now have women in all work sectors, and one woman even tried to break the highest glass ceiling in politics.
Some guys argue that if women can do everything that men can, they can open their own doors and so on. Some women even feel insulted when a guy opens the door for her, because she feels that it is patronising. Guys also complain that they do not get acknowledgements when they are chivalrous.
Perhaps I am a bit old-fashion or conservative, but I find nothing wrong with men being chivalrous. It’s refreshing actually. Most guys nowadays don’t know the meaning of the word. Perhaps they are too caught up in the rush of life and everyone is a competitor. For example, on trains, it is everyone for themselves. People will shove anyone else just to get on the train.
Yet I know some people that behave chivalrously, naturally. This friend of mine actually gets down from his car and opens the door for girls that he fetches, not only his girlfriend, but all the female population… unless it is raining hehe. Then there are those that wait till the person is inside the house and not the house compound before leaving, especially at night (when sending back home).
In my opinion, equality should cover chivalry also. This means that everyone should be nice and polite to everyone else. Take the train again, seats should be given up for those who need it more (though it is irritating when they reject and someone else takes your seat)… and when heading out of the cinema, hold the door to make sure the person behind does not get hit by the heavy door reflex.
Till the next time,
Valerie
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1 comment:
Hello babe :D May here.
Your friend is totally right; we DO want our way in everything. We want to be as powerful as the guys but treated like princesses at the same time. But that's one of the perks of being a girl, yes? Hahaha.
Y'know, I have a friend who's really a gentleman too. The person I know who's so gentleman-ly. He would do stuff like making sure no girls are left walking behind when in a group (esp when it comes to more dangerous places), holding the door open when the situation requires, and volunteering to help carry files/books/bags even when they're not heavy, those kinda stuff. Very sweet :)
Let's hope chivalry NEVER dies!
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